Inglot Cosmetics: How a small firm with vision successfully challenged established business rules

Inglot Cosmetics (Inglot), a Polish cosmetics company founded in 1983, has evolved from a company known for selling cheap, powdery eye shadow trios in Polish supermarkets to one of the most internationally recognizable Polish consumer brands. It has achieved this while financing its growth solely with revenues from current operations and relying on word-of-mouth marketing.

Inglot Cosmetics (Inglot), a Polish cosmetics company founded in 1983, has evolved from a company known for selling cheap, powdery eye shadow trios in Polish supermarkets to one of the most internationally recognizable Polish consumer brands. I...

Instability in Europe: Changing situation in Europe may cause problems for business in 2015

The EU and the Euro, which were once seen as key to its economic strength have contributed to some major problems over the last five years which have destabilized the region. Although the EU has now recovered after the recession and most countries are posting some minor growth, in many countries the traditional parties are losing votes to new parties arising both on the right and the left.

The EU and the Euro, which were once seen as key to its economic strength have contributed to some major problems over the last five years which have destabilized the region. Although the EU has now recovered after the recession and most countr...

This report analyzes the MVNO market in Latin America. It looks at some of the most successful initiatives for each business model. It also assesses the regulatory and support framework for MVNO growth. It concludes with case studies and recommendations on what regulators, MNOs and MVNOs can do to make the market more dynamic and take advantage of growth opportunities.

This report analyzes the MVNO market in Latin America. It looks at some of the most successful initiatives for each business model. It also assesses the regulatory and support framework for MVNO growth. It concludes with case studies and recomm...

4G in Brazil: Too much too soon?

The Brazilian mobile telecom market has long been thought of as a major growth opportunity, and the market is dominated by multinational telcos looking to leverage its potential. However, the outcome of a September 2014 spectrum auction, the second of its kind for 4G LTE allocation, was disappointing for the Brazilian government and one major market player, Oi S.A. (Oi), did not even participate.

The Brazilian mobile telecom market has long been thought of as a major growth opportunity, and the market is dominated by multinational telcos looking to leverage its potential. However, the outcome of a September 2014 spectrum auction, the se...

Xiaomi Inc.: The world's fourth largest smartphone company the West has never heard of

In January 2015, Chinese company Xiaomi Inc. announced it had tripled its smartphone sales to 61m handsets sold while more than doubling its revenues to $12.1bn over its 2013 results. In December 2014, the company became the world's most valuable technology start-up company after another round of funding, shortly after it was revealed it had become the world's fourth largest smartphone seller.

In January 2015, Chinese company Xiaomi Inc. announced it had tripled its smartphone sales to 61m handsets sold while more than doubling its revenues to $12.1bn over its 2013 results. In December 2014, the company became the world's most va...

Milking a cash cow in India: The push for premium ice cream in a developing economy

As a non-essential luxury item, ice cream is not a product that might be expected to have a large market in a developing economy. However, as the Indian economy continues to grow, this is likely to change. Global average spend per capita in 2014 is expected to be $27 per person per annum, compared to $0.02 in India. There is therefore huge room for growth in the Indian ice cream market.

As a non-essential luxury item, ice cream is not a product that might be expected to have a large market in a developing economy. However, as the Indian economy continues to grow, this is likely to change. Global average spend per capita in 201...

This Case Study examines the economic forces which lead to the outsourcing of manufacturing to low-income countries, and the impact on working people in those countries. It also examines the ways in which retailers can manage their supply chains ethically in a global economy.

This Case Study examines the economic forces which lead to the outsourcing of manufacturing to low-income countries, and the impact on working people in those countries. It also examines the ways in which retailers can manage their supply chain...

Food Scarcity:An inefficient food system may not provide for ten billion people

According to the World Bank the world needs to produce at least 50% more food by 2050, in order to feed a global population which will be boosted to 9 billion people. But climate change could cut crop yields by more than 25%. Unless we change how food is produced and manage our resources, food security will be at risk especially for the world’s poorest.

According to the World Bank the world needs to produce at least 50% more food by 2050, in order to feed a global population which will be boosted to 9 billion people. But climate change could cut crop yields by more than 25%. Unless we change h...

Supermarket Price Wars: A response to the rise of discount retailers

Grocery retail in the UK is dominated by four competitors. Recently there has been a surge of popularity in discount retailers, Aldi and Lidl, who are being seen as a threat to the 'big four' supermarkets. The big four are attempting to fend off this competition with price wars. This case study examines the structure of the UK market, the rise of Aldi and Lidl, and the response of the big four.

Grocery retail in the UK is dominated by four competitors. Recently there has been a surge of popularity in discount retailers, Aldi and Lidl, who are being seen as a threat to the 'big four' supermarkets. The big four are attempting to...

Unemployment in Europe: Influence of automation on labor market

The number of unemployed people in the European Union (EU) reached 22.7 million in 2014. Some of the unemployed lost their jobs due to economic crisis, some due to a lack of qualification. It is possible that increases in productivity brought about by the introduction of automated processes and robotics have paradoxically contributed to such economic and social problems in the short-term period.

The number of unemployed people in the European Union (EU) reached 22.7 million in 2014. Some of the unemployed lost their jobs due to economic crisis, some due to a lack of qualification. It is possible that increases in productivity brought a...

TTIP: The Euro-American trade deal which may be undemocratic

The deal has started to cause controversy and numerous anti-TTIP organizations have sprung up to try and stop the deal going ahead. Those in favor of the deal suggest that it will remove trade boundaries between the regions benefiting both regions to the tune of billions of dollars. However those against the deal suggest that the result would be disastrous for the sovereignty of EU member states.

The deal has started to cause controversy and numerous anti-TTIP organizations have sprung up to try and stop the deal going ahead. Those in favor of the deal suggest that it will remove trade boundaries between the regions benefiting both regi...

The manufacturing sector is diverse, comprising a wide-ranging number of different industries, technologies and activities. The sector suffered another major blow in 2008 but it managed to recover to its pre-crisis level in 2013. The access of households to a new wave of credit has pushed up demand for manufactured goods within the United Kingdom after the Great Recession.

The manufacturing sector is diverse, comprising a wide-ranging number of different industries, technologies and activities. The sector suffered another major blow in 2008 but it managed to recover to its pre-crisis level in 2013. The access of ...

Is the UK rail franchise system a model railway?

Critics of the current UK rail franchise system lambaste the subsidies given to Train Operating Companies, and point to annual fare rises in excess of inflation, a lack of genuine competition on individual routes and overcrowded commuter trains. This case study examines the successes and limitations of the UK rail franchise system introduced in 1993, and potential future reforms to the system.

Critics of the current UK rail franchise system lambaste the subsidies given to Train Operating Companies, and point to annual fare rises in excess of inflation, a lack of genuine competition on individual routes and overcrowded commuter trains...

Vodafone Group Plc: Unified telecommunication strategies in the European market

Vodafone holds the second-largest share by volume in the global wireless telecommunications market. While this strong standing has served the company well in recent years, a declining European wireless market has forced the company to reassess its strategy in order to reduce its overreliance on its core mobile business, culminating in Vodafone's 'unified communications strategy'.

Vodafone holds the second-largest share by volume in the global wireless telecommunications market. While this strong standing has served the company well in recent years, a declining European wireless market has forced the company to reassess ...

Cheap but no longer nasty: Evolution at Ryanair

Ryanair has grown from humble origins to offer more than 1,400 short-haul flights per day, combined with often controversial customer service practices. However the announcement of the 'Always Getting Better' program in 2014 marked an apparent change in direction. This case study examines the motivations and implications of this strategy and considers the future prospects of Ryanair.

Ryanair has grown from humble origins to offer more than 1,400 short-haul flights per day, combined with often controversial customer service practices. However the announcement of the 'Always Getting Better' program in 2014 marked an a...

Agriculture and Big Data: Will Big Data technologies be the next big leap for industrialized agriculture

Some of the very biggest agriculture firms have been offering services based on Big Data technologies in recent years. The principle process is to use Big Data collection to make farming more efficient and ultimately making each field yield more crops with less inputs. Some big claims are being made about this type of technology, with some suggesting 10-15% gains in farm efficiency are possible.

Some of the very biggest agriculture firms have been offering services based on Big Data technologies in recent years. The principle process is to use Big Data collection to make farming more efficient and ultimately making each field yield mor...

Chinese acquisitions of US companies: A controversial practice

The 2013 acquisition of pork-producer Smithfield Foods by Shuanghui International (now WH Group) is the largest Chinese acquisition of a US company to date. This case study explores previous Chinese acquisitions and their controversies. The case study also discusses the food security issues that have led to the Smithfield acquisition and others like it.

The 2013 acquisition of pork-producer Smithfield Foods by Shuanghui International (now WH Group) is the largest Chinese acquisition of a US company to date. This case study explores previous Chinese acquisitions and their controversies. The cas...

Jaguar Land Rover: Adapting the original SUV & turning middle class Britishness into a business asset

Jaguar Land Rover has now reached five consecutive years of growth and the company now produces its own engines, has plants in Brazil and China and has brought the Jaguar range right up to date. However there are problems on the horizon, not least the issue of how to replace the iconic Land Rover Defender which has been on sale since 1948, but which will cease production in 2015.

Jaguar Land Rover has now reached five consecutive years of growth and the company now produces its own engines, has plants in Brazil and China and has brought the Jaguar range right up to date. However there are problems on the horizon, not le...

Smart Cities: Cisco's quest for dominance of tomorrow's cities

The term 'smart city' has become something of a buzz phrase recently, particularly in the technology industry, but what exactly are smart cities? How can they be defined? Can they even be defined at all? One company that is keen to bolster demand and enthusiasm for such projects is Cisco, which has a lot to gain from the burgeoning industry given its position in the networking and IT sectors.

The term 'smart city' has become something of a buzz phrase recently, particularly in the technology industry, but what exactly are smart cities? How can they be defined? Can they even be defined at all? One company that is keen to bols...

Changing consumer behavior in the UK: The rise of the smart consumer

Consumer behavior in the UK has altered significantly. Consumers have become increasingly confident, shrewd, and more difficult to please, as evidenced by rising complaints and lower customer satisfaction levels. What's more, the concept that people can bring about change through the way in which they spend has developed into a situation where the consumer holds an increasingly powerful position.

Consumer behavior in the UK has altered significantly. Consumers have become increasingly confident, shrewd, and more difficult to please, as evidenced by rising complaints and lower customer satisfaction levels. What's more, the concept th...

Microsoft Corporation: Change in direction under Satya Nadella?

On February 4, 2014, Microsoft appointed Satya Nadella as its third CEO following the resignation of predecessor Steve Ballmer. This case study examines the changes and decisions made by the company under Nadella's rule and assesses the extent to which his appointment has driven Microsoft in a new direction.

On February 4, 2014, Microsoft appointed Satya Nadella as its third CEO following the resignation of predecessor Steve Ballmer. This case study examines the changes and decisions made by the company under Nadella's rule and assesses the ext...

Video-game DLC: Maximizing monetization of popular titles

The advent of digital consumption and connected gaming has led to the rise of DLC in the video-games industry. As this becomes an ever-increasingly important strategic consideration for developers and publishers, this report analyzes the trend towards DLC, examines the major benefits and pitfalls of offering such content and looks at some major industry players' recent DLC strategies.

The advent of digital consumption and connected gaming has led to the rise of DLC in the video-games industry. As this becomes an ever-increasingly important strategic consideration for developers and publishers, this report analyzes the trend ...

Apple Pay vs. CurrentC: The battle for the US mobile wallet

In September 2014, Apple announced the Apple Pay mobile payment service, which would allow consumers to pay for goods wirelessly in shops using their new iPhones. This represented a further movement of the technology into the mainstream. However, attempts have been made by MCX, a consortium of retailers, to topple Apple in the US mobile payment market with its own alternative, CurrentC.

In September 2014, Apple announced the Apple Pay mobile payment service, which would allow consumers to pay for goods wirelessly in shops using their new iPhones. This represented a further movement of the technology into the mainstream. Howeve...

The Big 6 UK Food Retailers: How supermarkets are responding to the discounter threat

As Aldi leapfrogs Waitrose to become the sixth largest food retailer in the UK, this case study assesses the shift in consumer trends and industry disruptors that has led to a much more competitive food retailing environment. It examines the common actions of the six biggest non-discounters and where their strategies differ, and evaluates their efforts.

As Aldi leapfrogs Waitrose to become the sixth largest food retailer in the UK, this case study assesses the shift in consumer trends and industry disruptors that has led to a much more competitive food retailing environment. It examines the co...

Etihad Airways: Flying high on the journey to global superpower status

Etihad has grown revenues and profits, and increased operational measures such as load factor, cargo tonnage, and revenue passengers. Profit margins, however, remain a concern. Etihad is central to Abu Dhabi's economic plan to build 'a sustainable economy,' by reducing its reliance on oil income. Tourism is at the forefront of this drive and Etihad is the transport that will drive the industry.

Fossil fuels such as coal, gas, & oil are cheap, combustible, & allow a country to grow its economy quickly. This is why, despite many countries enacting legislation limiting carbon emissions & increasing renewable energy sources, greenhouse gas emissions continue to grow. This case study looks at attempts by governments around the world to reduce emissions in an attempt to curb climate change.

Hero MotoCorp: Promising rise of future transnational manufacturer

Hero MotoCorp is one of the world's largest motorcycle manufacturers. It is setting itself up to expand globally and develop in-house technologies following the dissolution of its partnership agreement with Honda Motor Co. Ltd. Interestingly, Hero is embarking on a relatively new stage of international trade by distributing in lower tier developing countries with little infrastructure.

Hero MotoCorp is one of the world's largest motorcycle manufacturers. It is setting itself up to expand globally and develop in-house technologies following the dissolution of its partnership agreement with Honda Motor Co. Ltd. Interestingl...

Shimano: Bicycle components manufacturer continues to run a virtual monopoly in a growing market

The bicycling and fishing components giant has had another fantastic year in 2015. With Team Sky’s win for Chris Froome in the Tour de France, comes another win for Shimano, who supplied the team with its top of the range Dura Ace Di2 components. Of the 22 teams that started the race, Shimano provided components to 18 of them, signaling the dominance that Shimano has over professional cycling.

The bicycling and fishing components giant has had another fantastic year in 2015. With Team Sky’s win for Chris Froome in the Tour de France, comes another win for Shimano, who supplied the team with its top of the range Dura Ace Di2 component...

Cigarette Market: Growing despite fewer number of smokers

Global sales of cigarettes reached 5,067.9 billion pieces in 2014. The global trend in volume terms is, contrary to the market value, in decline. This pattern was first recorded in 2004 when the market fell into decline by 0.01%.

Global sales of cigarettes reached 5,067.9 billion pieces in 2014. The global trend in volume terms is, contrary to the market value, in decline. This pattern was first recorded in 2004 when the market fell into decline by 0.01%.